New forum formed for effective HIV response

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New forum formed for effective HIV response

Source: The Sangai Express

Lamka, February 07: A State Co-ordination Forum for HIV response in

Manipur has been set up bringing together bilateral agencies,

capacity building organizations, and NGOs receiving funding for HIV

in the State.

Resolution for forming the forum was passed in a meeting of the

bilateral agencies and Manipur State AIDS Control Society here

yesterday.

Members include representatives of DKT India, Salvation Army,

Medecins Sans Frontiers, Project Orchid, Catholic Relief Services,

Constella Futures, Population Foundation of India, Care India, CFAR,

DFID and HIV/AIDS Alliance.

Chairing the meeting, P Vaiphei, Secretary , Health, Government of

Manipur, said that the Forum will help avoid duplication of

activities and programmes in the State.

" I am glad that different agencies are coming forward to work with

Manipur State AIDS Control Society in addressing the fight against

HIV.

The exchange of ideas and experiences through the forum will help in

looking at programmatic gaps and help us address these gaps.

I envision that the Forum will lead to ground breaking work

considering the technical expertise of its members, " he said.

Welcoming the initiative, Giten of NGO Catholic Relief Services

said, " Better co-ordination among agencies will translate into more

effective service delivery for those infected and affected by HIV " .

The Forum will help members seek technical expertise from each other

for their activities.

As Upendra Singh, Advocacy Advisor, India Essential Advocacy Project,

said.

" For instance, if MACS is planning a programme for caregivers for

children, it can take technical inputs from Catholic Relief Services

(State lead partner for paediatric ARV) and Population Foundation

India (lead partner for rendering adherence counselling and

treatment) " .

A seven-member core committee has been set up to chalk out a

strategic plan of action.

Ching Songput, State Coordinator, Project ORCHID, and a member of the

core committee said, " We are looking at activities that can be taken

up by the forum.

We are also looking at the possibility of forming an e-group for

enhancing exchange of ideas and resources " .

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